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Samsung turns dreams into reality for Kenyan Youth

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NAIROBI, September 11, 2009 – More than 300 youth from informal settlements graduated today from the Informal Sector Business Institute (IBSI) which is an institution supported by Samsung Real Dreams – a youth employability program under Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. The “Real Dreams” program aims to increase economic activity in the region, particularly by promoting job skills and preparing young people for successful, long-term careers.

Of the 300 students, 45 graduated under the Samsung Real Dreams Program, with Business and ICT skills. Ten of them have been employed in different institutions and started their own businesses with assistance from Samsung Electronics. Five are going for further studies, while 30 are seeking employment through the program.

“Although the Kenyan economy grew gradually over the period from 2000 to 2007, the youth unemployment rate is still high, roughly two to three times the rate for the overall adult population, while underemployment is also common”, says Gloria Anampiu, Marketing Manager Samsung Electronics Company Ltd Kenya.

“Through this dedicated program, we hope to empower Kenya’s young people and prepare them to compete for decent jobs, so that they can fulfill their dreams and aspirations for a better future for themselves and their communities.” she added.

Samsung Electronics has invested $350,000 towards the program. Through the funding, an electronic lab, containing serviceable mobile phones, television sets and other electronic appliances, was constructed. Samsung provides the technical staff to give talks in the electronics classes during the course period.

The funding also goes towards subsidising the students’ fee by more than 50 percent.

Samsung has also put up a placement office, employed a placement officer who searches for internship and job opportunities for students who have successfully completed the courses.

Apart from funding to run the Real Dreams Program, Samsung Electronics assists students who have successfully completed the course to secure internship opportunities at its service centres in Nairobi. At the centres, the youth receive knowledge on how to service Samsung products.

This program will potentially benefit many young people from the poorest areas of Nairobi by enabling them to acquire skills and obtain decent employment or initiate their micro-businesses.

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The Samsung Real Dreams program is implemented in partnership with three local non-governmental organizations: the Informal Sector Business Institute (ISBI), the African Centre for Women and Information and Communications Technology (ACWICTS), and NairoBits.

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